Tamron 18-270: New travel zoom F3,5-6,3 Di II VC PZD: Smaller, lighter, faster

Tamron already set the 15x focal length record in summer 2008 with the 18-270mm F3,5-6,3 Di II VC. A travel zoom with the focal length cover from 18 to 270 mm is therefore nothing new. Nevertheless, in Tamron’s opinion, it can still be further improved, e.g. with a newly developed piezo ultrasonic motor that gives the lens the name suffix PZD. With its help and a revised Vibration Compensation (VC) the lens now works even quieter, more precise and faster, according to Tamron, although it has become more compact overall and is relatively light with only 450 g.

In contrast to the drive of the Tamron 70-300mm USD, which works with a travelling shaft, the autofocus of the new 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD uses a standing shaft. A high-frequency electrical voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, which in turn sets it in motion. A metal tip is located on the piezoceramic, which is thereby set in elliptical rotation and drives the motor by means of friction. The compactness of this principle makes the new lens more compact. It measures 96.4 x 74.4 mm (Nikon connection). Nevertheless, according to Tamron, a high AF speed, precision and a very quiet running noise can be achieved. Tamron also turned the VC unit. While in the original mechanism a moving magnet system with relatively heavy magnets sits on the VC lens element, the new design at this point has light electromagnetic coils that are opposite the original magnets. According to Tamron, this improves the impulse response, i.e. the reaction time to occurring vibrations. It also further reduces the size and weight of the lens.

The optical design of the 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD consists of 16 elements in 13 groups. The closest focusing distance is 49 cm and the corresponding magnification is 1:3.8. The lens will initially be available with mounts for Canon and Nikon. Tamron changes the name suffix for Nikon from N and NII to only N. The distinction with and without motor will be omitted in the future as all Tamron lenses with Nikon connection will have a built-in motor from now on. A Sony connection is to follow, whereby the VC unit is omitted here. Sony cameras have their own camera-internal image stabilisation. According to Tamron the lens should cost about 860 EUR. The Canon and Nikon versions will be available from mid-December 2010.

Tamron 18-270 mm 3.5-6.3 Data sheet